Exploring belonging through photovoice: examining the impact of space design on diverse student populations in an academic library
Leslie Poljak, Berenika M. Webster, Renee Kiner
Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 24, No. 3/4, pp.195-210

This paper aims to uncover characteristics of physical spaces that evoke feelings of welcome and belonging in a diverse student population in an academic library.

The photovoice method was used to allow research participants an active role in shaping research questions and collecting and analyzing data.

The research reveals that space design significantly influences students’ feelings of physical safety, emotional well-being and safety and ownership (or sense of belonging) in academic library spaces, thereby emphasizing the importance of considering space design in promoting student well-being and inclusiveness.

This research used photovoice methodology to engage underrepresented student communities in providing input into the design of library spaces.